CHICAGO - The long courtship for the services of Troy Rosario ended on Monday with handshakes and a fat contract signing at the nest of champions known as the SMC office in Ortigas.
For 56 days, the shy and sublime 32-year old was chased by several teams and flattered with perks and promises that would make even a seasoned politician blush.
Among the suitors included TNT, misty-eyed for a reunion following a contentious 2022 break-up, and desperate for a stretch four with All-Star credentials.
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Emerging powerhouse Converge, an independent team with a giant budget, was also in hot pursuit, dangling a deal that scaled over a million monthly including bonuses.
Surprisingly, perennial punching bag Blackwater made a great offer, too.
In the end, the grandeur and the glory that is Ginebra was impossible to resist.
FANTASY TO REALITY.
"Inner childhood ko ang nangingibabaw eh. I'm just happy that it will come to reality na," said Rosario, who had spent many nights dreaming of "Gi-ne-bra!!,Gi-ne-bra!! chants ringing in his ears.
It didn't hurt that the Kings had the "best offer" but Rosario insists that his choice went "beyond the contract." And that's why he's excited to get to work.
"Sobra to. I know marami ako matutunan pa. Mga dati kong teammates sa Gilas like Japeth (Aguilar), Scottie (Thompson), kuya LA (Tenorio)," he told me via text message.
Back in October 2022, the 6-foot-7, 218-pound for NU star turned down a three-year P1.6 million a month offer from the Japan B.League. He told me then that he had "no regrets" leaving that kind of money on the table.
Rosario continues to get overseas offers, a lure that will last as long as he continues his excellent play.
NO PLACE LIKE HOME.
But don't expect the second overall pick of the 2015 PBA draft to cross the international seas after his Ginebra deal expires in three years when he turns 35 years old.
"Wala na po ako balak magpunta sa iba po. Kung papalarin gusto ko dito [sa Ginebra] na hanggang matapos career ko."
Apparently, Troy has found his basketball shangri-la, a place that can provide him all the riches and the happiness he seeks.
As he contemplated his future, hopping between several meetings and talking face-to-face to team executives and decision makers, I asked Troy who got the job done for SMC.
"Boss Al," he says, obviously referring to SMC sports director Alfranchis Chua.
No surprise there. Chua is a three-time PBA Executive of the Year who has brought an unprecedented 15 titles to San Miguel teams.
Peerless at what he does, Al has the three most important elements to succeed.
Deep pockets. A modest, unpretentious charm. And a forceful, take-no-prisoners power of persuasion.
If Dos Equis beer has "the most interesting man in the world," San Miguel certainly has the most powerful man in the PBA.
The acquisition of Troy Rosario doesn't just affirm the might of Mr. Chua. It punctuates it.
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